the 1998 report ‘State of the Young Nation’, which asked 1000 young people about their participation in society and their understanding of political processes. Continuing increase in BYC’s research, consultation and policy work culminated in 2000 with the biggest consultation with young people that the Government had ever commissioned on areas such as education, employment and young people having their say. The conclusion, 'Listening to the Unheard', led to the formulation of the European White Paper on Youth which BYC co-ordinated as the UK members of the European Youth Forum. Governance The British Youth Council Board of Trustees is made up of 12 young people aged 16–25. These annually elected trustees employ 14 staff and 10 full-time volunteers and manage a body of young campaigners and media spokespeople. The organisation is a registered charity, and a registered company limited by guarantee, in order to enable the appointment of directors under 18 years old. Membership The Council has over 250 members including national youth organisations, faith-based groups, and organisations representing minority groups of young people. In addition, the Council supports a network of 620 youth councils and youth forums, also run by young people. Activities The British Youth Council assists young people to represent themselves through activities such as Young People in Parliament Events, having their voices heard by politicians and policy makers. It sets up initiatives that celebrate young people's achievements such as the Royal Society of Arts Young Leader Awards. With support from the House of Commons, the British Youth Council established the Youth Select Committee which, in 2013, held an inquiry into the national curriculum with 11 young panel Members. The Council supports young people to find volunteering opportunities and other opportunities for young people through its website, its membership base and through newsletters like the BYC Project and its Online Action Network. It coordinates different youth-led networks such as the Local Youth Council Network, UK Youth Parliament & Young Mayors Network Consortia The British Youth Council now manages Participation Works – a group of national charities working to ensure that every child and young person can influence decisions affecting their lives. They are working with the Children's Rights Alliance for England, The National Youth Agency, the National Council for Voluntary Youth Services, Save the Children (England) and formerly the National Children's Bureau. The Council is a founding member of the UK Votes at 16 Coalition. The coalition